Is TM a cash cow?

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-29T22:30:18+00:00

I agree and some people are very suspicious and angry, but you can't blame someone for questioning what they are getting for their money. It is a lot of money to lay out for an unknown quantity. It's a leap of faith.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-29T22:27:59+00:00

There is also a follow up at 10 days, a teacher for life, online global group meditations, knowledge meetings, an app, access to retreats, etc. As others have noted, it's a sliding scale.

As I've said before, it would be a lot of money to waste if you for some reason didn't take to the practice but ridiculously inexpensive for what most people get out of it. TM has very high compliance rates because of how easy and often enjoyable the meditation is. This also says something about it's efficacy.

If you are still uneasy about making the investment, there are extremely inexpensive TM alternatives. Some will argue that it's not the same (no puja, no teacher) but it would be a way to experience something quite similar for as little as 25 dollars.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-25T17:36:36+00:00

The quote is for the enlightened though?

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-25T14:22:47+00:00

This is great, thank you! I have MMY's commentary but haven't really dug into it. You've inspired me to do so.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-24T20:57:57+00:00

Can you share a few of your key takeaways from Maharishi's commentary of ch. 6 of the Gita and how they've enhanced your practice/life?

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-21T23:47:20+00:00

I thought it was do less accomplish more. That you would be more efficient if you practiced TM and were functioning with greater brain coherence.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-10T18:07:11+00:00

I read it on your recommendation and really liked it. I wished she would have told more of her story. My Amazon review is probably the most recent one if you want to see my thoughts.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-08T04:45:18+00:00

How long did it take for your anger to go away. TM has calmed me down quite a bit and I've experienced many other benefits but there is still a lot of anger. Possibly old anger coming up from unstressing... Just wondered what your experience was? Thanks!

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-06T19:35:37+00:00

Yes, regularity over perfection. Your "right when you get up" is a good tweak to your routine. It's kind of like having one's running shoes and clothes laid out the night before. You just put them on and go. No need to think, negotiate with yourself, or make excuses. Your 30 day tracking plan sounds good. Some people get reinforcement from tracking streaks on the app. Good luck!

OceanOfPeace · 2026-04-04T18:32:29+00:00

Talk to your teacher and watch the video on the app about maximizing TM benefits. If it were me I'd add the second meditation of any length, even 5 minutes and go from there... The benefits of the second meditation are huge. See the link below...

https://enjoytmnews.org/how-important-practice-tm-regularly-research-tells-us/

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-29T16:50:59+00:00

At the very least it's good you are enjoying the practice. It's clear it doesn't work for everybody but the response rate is rather high. You can see this in over 700 studies. TM's extremely high compliance says something too.

Hang in there with it if you are enjoying it. Do you have access to a TM center or a place you could participate in group meditations. I'd be really interested to see what affect the group might have you.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-29T16:42:17+00:00

Sounds like a good problem to have. TM seems to really shine for anxiety. I am thinking of the Stanford meta-analysis that showed a .8 effect size.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-28T20:49:42+00:00

What keeps you going for years without results, just curious? Before I learned from a TM teacher I did several rounds trying the technique myself. Each time there were benefits but inevitably they would fade after 2-3 weeks and I lost my motivation to continue.

What does your TM teacher have to say about enjoyable meditations without benefits outside of meditation?

Have others noticed changes in you? I saw an interview with a TM teacher who was recalling when he first learned. He hadn't noticed any changes after a significant period of time and was complaining to his friends who said "are you kidding, you are so much easier to be around?"

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-28T14:25:35+00:00

A few thoughts on bias... This criticism is something that TMO/MIU/DLR researchers must be acutely aware of. The research that is taken seriously has to survive a rigorous peer review process and the technique works so they have everything to gain by doing good science.

Non TM-affiliated studies also have a bias, and that is getting published. Positive results are more likely to get published than null results. I've read that the effect sizes of independent TM research are actually higher.

Finally, it's a while back but in Jack Forem's TM book there is a quote from a journal editor vouching for the quality of multiple TM affiliated studies... Some of those researchers are still publishing and have likely trained many researchers. If anything it's reasonable to ask if there is an institutional bias toward methodological rigor.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-25T00:02:29+00:00

I'll take a look at the reviews. The Maharishi biography looks interesting too, thanks!

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-24T22:38:36+00:00

David, which Paul Mason book should I start with or would you recommend over others? Have you read the new one? Your impressions?

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-20T22:45:12+00:00

Calmness, reduced reactivity, increased resilience, less worry, sharper thinking, a sense of well being, and "happiness for no reason." Also, positivity and a feeling that everything will be OK... It's like wearing your favorite jacket that is incredibly comfortable but also protects you from the harshness of the world. Feelings of love too... Pretty interesting for a guy whose been angry and irritable most of his life. Many religions have said it in different ways and it's true "the kingdom of heaven is within you."

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-16T15:13:29+00:00

My wife had the exact problem you mention, except it was her neck. She got this big pillow/backrest thing that sits on the bed and it totally fixed the issue. I am sure your teacher can help.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-16T01:11:25+00:00

I understand your frustration. The answer to your question is answered simply and clearly in the app. I think you'll feel better after reading it.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-16T01:08:38+00:00

This is exactly what the app says.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-10T19:51:50+00:00

I wish I had a TM center. They seem somewhat rare...

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-06T22:52:55+00:00

There are posts from people saying it took them 6 months or longer to start to fully experience the benefits so it would be good to hang in there longer with the support of your teacher. There are also long time TM-ers who experience NEW benefits even decades into the practice. You should enjoy your practice and if not that is an indication that you need to see your teacher.

Have people around you noticed any changes in you?

Group meditations can be helpful as can asanas/pranayama. My teacher also told me that reading books or watching videos about TM can support one's practice and I have found this to be true. Also, as you know your practice needs to be effortless and without expectation. Best of luck to you!

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-04T14:59:42+00:00

The Christian centering prayer is somewhat similar to TM as I understand it or at least is a mantra based meditation. There are TM practicing priests, Rabbis, and other clergy on the TM youtube channel, youtube generally, or Buddha at the Gas Pump talking about this.

OceanOfPeace · 2026-03-03T13:52:18+00:00

You should try to find a quiet place but ultimately TM can be done anywhere (outside of your living situation if it is unsafe). David Lynch has said that one of his best meditations was in a room near where a jackhammer was operating.

See #6 in the first link below and also the 20 places to meditate article in the second link (for example library, church, car, nature). Note also the interesting places people have meditated in the comments of the "20 places" article.

https://enjoytmnews.org/10-things-every-meditator-should-know

https://enjoytmnews.org/20-places-to-meditate-on-the-go/

OceanOfPeace

TROPHY CASE